Nozzle assembly with a reusable break-off cap a container having a nozzle assembly and packaging therefor

ABSTRACT

The invention is a nozzle assembly ( 3, 20 ) with a re-useable break off cap ( 20 ) for dispensing a product from a container ( 1 ). On a dispensing end ( 5 ) of the nozzle ( 3 ) a break-off cap ( 20 ) is integrally formed thereon and closes off the dispensing end ( 5 ) of the nozzle ( 3 ). The break-off cap ( 20 ) is removable by breaking a frangible connection ( 22 ) between the nozzle ( 3 ) and the break-off cap ( 20 ). Removing the break-off cap opens the dispensing end ( 5 ) of the nozzle ( 3 ) thereby allowing product to be dispensed through the nozzle ( 3 ). The break-off cap ( 20 ) removed from the nozzle ( 3 ) can then be re-engaged with the nozzle ( 3 ) to close off the dispensing end ( 5 ) thereby preventing further product from being dispensed. The cap can be attached to or removed from the nozzle ( 3 ) as often as a user requires. The invention also includes packaging which includes a tray ( 111 ) or pouch into which the nozzle assembly ( 3, 20 ) and container ( 1 ) can be inserted. A flexible resealable peel-off cover ( 110 ) is provided on each tray ( 111 ) to allow a user to resealably open and close the tray ( 111 ). The resealable tray ( 111 ) can be provided either singly or as a series of trays.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field ofpacks/packaging, and in particular dispensing packs/packaging. Inparticular the present invention relates to a dispensing nozzle assemblywith a re-useable break-off (or break-away) cap. The nozzle assembly maybe attachable to a container or integrally formed therewith. The nozzlemay thus be closed with the cap after the cap has been broken off. Thenozzle may be attachable to or integrally formed with a container andthe containers contents are thus protectable by the re-useable cap.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] It is desired to provide inexpensive re-useable dispensing packswhich offer the user the opportunity to partially dispense the contentsof a container and store the remainder for later use. The user candispense as much of the contents as required and then re-close (orreseal) the pack to store the contents for a future use. Re-sealing thepack is important particularly for materials which are sensitive totheir environment for example products which are air, moisture, lightsensitive etc.

[0003] Many re-closeable packs are known. In general these may becomplex to manufacture and require removable caps etc. which allow thecontainer to be re-sealed after a use. On the other hand it is known toprovide single use or “one shot” disposable pack which once openedcannot be subsequently closed. This form of pack is usually a tear- orbreak-open pack. The advantage of a one shot pack is its relativelyinexpensive manufacture as compared to re-closeable or re-sealablepacks. The disadvantage of such containers is of course that thecontents are intended to be used all at once. If not all the product isused at one time, there is a difficulty in storing the pack as it is notclosed and the contents may spill. The life of the remaining product mayalso be compromised particularly as stated above where the product issensitive to environmental factors.

[0004] It is also possible to provide low cost tubes, for instance atube constructed of aluminium or other such metal or plastics materials.Such tubes are often provided with screw-on, snap-on, or otherwiseengageable nozzles. The nozzle is usually provided to help accuratedispensing of the contents of the tube. These nozzles are often providedwith separate screw-on caps to close the dispensing nozzle to protectthe product. The nozzle and the cap are separately provided and the capis screwed onto the nozzle. In order to use the dispensing nozzle it isfirstly screwed onto the tube. A dispenser with dispensing means fordispensing the contents of the tubes is known for example from WO00/00405. The device is provided with a nozzle which screws onto thetube and a cap which screws onto the nozzle. The device of WO 00/00405may be used with a nozzle assembly or container of the presentinvention. Alternatively a container with an integrally formed nozzlemay be provided. Containers with integrally formed dispensing nozzlesare also often deformable (squeezable).

[0005] There exists a requirement for a low cost multi-use pack.

[0006] A further problem in providing a reusable container or nozzleassembly with a break-off cap is difficulty in re-closing thecontainer/nozzle to provide a reliable seal to protect the contents ofthe container. It is difficult to provide low cost containers/nozzleswhich close after use to provide a reliable seal. Creating a reliableseal necessitates accurate mating of the surfaces forming the seal. Thisin turn requires careful manufacture with precise engineering of theproduct which may be reflected in increased cost in production.Generally components which mate to provide a seal are manufacturedseparately and with great precision so that the subsequent making of thecomponents provides the desired seal.

[0007] Difficulty of re-closure is especially acute with break-off caps.Break-off caps are frangibly connected to the container which theyclose. Breaking the frangible connection between the break-off part(usually the cap) and the container may leave remnants of the frangibleconnection on the break-off part or on the container. These remnants mayinterfere with subsequent re-fitting of the break-off part to thecontainer thus making proper re-closure of the container difficult, withpossible ensuing detriment to the useable life of the product within thecontainer. As stated above there are certain types of products whichparticularly need protection from the general environment. Of particularconcern in the present case are curable products, in particularadhesives.

[0008] EP 0 326 529 describes a strip of phials. The document isconcerned with the problem of handling of relatively small phials, andproposes a strip or web of phials which are more easily handledmechanically. Each phial is a small squeezable container with anintegrally moulded nozzle and cap on the container. The cap is abreak-off cap and the containers are intended to be single use “oneshot” containers.

[0009] Loctite (Ireland) Limited sells a product called Indermil™ whichis a surgical adhesive. The product is presented for sale in individualphials similar in construction to the phials disclosed in EP 0 326 529discussed above. The phial has a hollow container body for receiving andholding product placed in the container. The hollow container body hasan outlet nozzle, through which the product is dispensable. The outletnozzle has a first intake end which projects from the container body andis integrally formed therewith. The nozzle has a second dispensing endwith a dispensing opening formed in the dispensing end and a mouthformed on the nozzle about the dispensing opening. The nozzle of thedevice has a nozzle body with a conduit defined therein and bounded byan internal surface of the nozzle body, the conduit in communicationwith the container body and the dispensing opening. The phial has abreak-off cap comprising a cap body for closing the dispensing end ofthe outlet nozzle, the break-off cap having a first position wherein thecap body is integrally formed with the outlet nozzle to close the outletopening of the outlet nozzle and is connected thereto by at least onefrangible connection, and a second position wherein the frangibleconnection is broken allowing removal of the cap and thus opening theoutlet opening thereby allowing product to be dispensed from thecontainer. The cap once removed may be inverted and repositioned on thecontainer by push-fit (frictional) engagement of the cap and the nozzle.It is desired to provide an alternative nozzle assembly for use with acontainer which can be used to store materials. In order to improve theuseful life of products stored in containers it may be desirable toprovide an outer (protective) packaging which may help improve storagestability, particularly one that is convenient for point of saledisplay.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a low costmulti-use pack. In particular it is desired to provide a pack which issuitable for storage of environment sensitive products such as adhesiveand other curable products. It is also an object of the invention toprovide an outer packaging for such containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention provides a nozzleassembly comprising:

[0012] a) an outlet nozzle for dispensing product, having a first intakeend for taking up product from a container and a second dispensing endwith a dispensing opening formed in the dispensing end and a mouthformed on the nozzle about the dispensing opening, the nozzle comprisinga nozzle body with a conduit defined therein and bounded by an internalsurface of the nozzle body, the conduit for communication between theintake end of the nozzle and the dispensing opening; and

[0013] b) a break-off cap comprising a cap body for closing thedispensing end of the outlet nozzle, the break-off cap having a firstposition wherein the cap body is integrally formed with the outletnozzle to close the dispensing opening of the outlet nozzle and isconnected thereto by at least one frangible connection, and a secondposition wherein the frangible connection is broken allowing removal ofthe cap and thus opening the dispensing opening thereby allowing productto be dispensed through the outlet nozzle;

[0014] the nozzle assembly having an internal annular crotch, whichnarrows in a radially outward direction, formed between the nozzle andthe cap body about the dispensing opening, the crotch providing aweakened junction between the cap and the nozzle allowing the cap to bebroken off from the nozzle thus breaking the frangible connection.

[0015] In a second aspect the present invention provides a nozzleassembly comprising:

[0016] a) an outlet nozzle for dispensing product having a first intakeend for taking up product from the container and a second dispensing endwith a dispensing opening formed in the dispensing end and a mouthformed on the nozzle about the dispensing opening, the nozzle comprisinga nozzle body with a conduit formed therein defined by an internalsurface of the nozzle body, the conduit for communication between theintake end and the dispensing opening; and

[0017] b) a break-off cap comprising a cap body for closing thedispensing end of the outlet nozzle, the break-off cap having a firstposition wherein the cap body is integrally formed with the outletnozzle to close the dispensing opening of the outlet nozzle and isconnected thereto by at least one frangible connection, and a secondposition wherein the frangible connection is broken allowing removal ofthe cap and thus opening the dispensing opening thereby allowing productto be dispensed through the outlet nozzle;

[0018] the cap body and the outlet nozzle having interengagingformations for subsequently securing the break-off cap to the nozzlebody to close the outlet opening.

[0019] In a third aspect of the present invention the first and secondaspects of the invention may be combined in a single nozzle assembly.This combined nozzle assembly is particularly useful to providere-useable containers. The nozzle assembly combining the features of thefirst and second aspects allows for ease of removal of the cap from thenozzle and also subsequent re-fitting of the cap to the nozzle.

[0020] It is particularly desirable that the nozzle (and thus the nozzleassembly) forms an integral part of the container, though as explainedabove the nozzle assembly may be adapted to engage on an existingcontainer, for example by snap-fitting or screw-threading.

[0021] The (internal) annular crotch allows for ease of removal of thecap as the apex of the crotch runs toward (and preferably meets) thefrangible connection so that resistance to breaking off is not so greatas it might otherwise be. The annular crotch may thus be consideredinside, or interior to the frangible connection. There is less of atendency for the remnants of the frangible connection to remain on thenozzle, thus facilitating ease of subsequent re-closure of the nozzle.There is thus provided a weakened junction (or a circumferential line ofweakness) between the cap and the nozzle.

[0022] The crotch may be generally v-shaped being defined on one side bya surface of the cap body and on the other by a surface of the nozzle.The surfaces defining the cap may diverge in a radially inwarddirection. In the radially outward direction the surfaces of the crotchmay converge toward the frangible connection to (a point of convergenceto) form the apex of the v-shape. At the apex the nozzle and the cap arefrangibly connected.

[0023] The surface on the nozzle defining one side of the crotch may runfrom the internal surface of the nozzle, or from a position proximate tothe internal surface of the nozzle to the mouth of the nozzle. Theannular crotch is thus internal to the nozzle/cap arrangement.

[0024] In one particularly simple though desired construction one sideof the internal annular crotch is provided, at least in part, by aramped surface running from the internal surface of the nozzle definingthe conduit to the mouth of the nozzle. The ramped surface is desirablyannular. In one arrangement the annular ramped surface is of a generallyfrusto-conical shape (narrowing in diameter downwardly) for examplegradually decreasing in diameter from the mouth of the nozzle to thesurface defining the conduit. This embodiment allows for ease ofre-closing the container with a reliable seal as will be describedbelow.

[0025] To further ensure ease of removal of the cap from the nozzle thenozzle assembly is desirably provided with an external annular crotch,which narrows in a radially inward direction, formed between the nozzleand the cap body about the dispensing opening, the external crotchproviding a weakened junction (exterior to the frangible connection).

[0026] As with the (internal) annular crotch described above, theexternal crotch may be generally v-shaped being defined on one side by asurface of the cap body and on the other by a surface of the nozzle. Thesurfaces defining the cap may diverge in a radially outward direction.In the radially inward direction the surfaces of the crotch may convergetoward the frangible connection to form the apex of the v-shape. At theapex the nozzle and the cap are frangibly connected.

[0027] The surface on the nozzle defining one side of the externalcrotch may run from an external (side) surface of the nozzle, to aposition on the nozzle proximate or at the mouth of the nozzle.

[0028] Typically the frangible connection is formed by plastics materialduring moulding of the container of the invention from plasticsmaterial.

[0029] The provision of the internal annular crotch allows forparticular clean break-off of the cap. Clean surfaces (surfaces withoutremnants of the frangible connection) are left about the nozzle mouth sothat subsequent re-closure of the nozzle (and thus the container) isfacilitated. Good mating of the cap and nozzle surfaces help to protectproduct within the container from environmental influences.

[0030] A container according to the second aspect (or third aspect) ofthe present invention is thus provided with a re-closeable cap which iseasily re-fitted to the nozzle (container) to provide a reliable seal.The container and the nozzle assembly can be moulded as a single piecefor example from plastics material, thus making an integrally formedcontainer which is relatively low cost to produce.

[0031] A container having a nozzle assembly according to any aspect ofthe present invention is desirably a hand-held phial. The phial may beconstructed of deformable plastics so that it may be squeezable (bymanual pressure and in particular finger pressure) to express product.Optionally the phial may be constructed of clear or translucentplastics. The plastics material can be sufficiently translucent to allowthe level of product within the container to be determined by externalviewing (through the sides of the container).

[0032] The interengaging formations may for example be screw-threads.Alternatively the interengaging formations may be snap-fit formations.In one desirable arrangement the interengaging formations are snap-fitformations that are disengageable from the interengaged position byrelative rotation of the cap and the nozzle. Where the nozzle is on, oris integrally formed with a container, this will also occur where thecap and the container are rotated relative to each other. It isdesirable that the interengaging formations snap-fit to hold the cap tothe nozzle and/or container, and yet, allow twisting off of, the cap,from the nozzle and/or container. This arrangement allows for particularease of the replacement and removal of the cap, on or from the nozzle(container).

[0033] The break-off cap is desirably held in an inverted position onthe outlet nozzle before it is broken off. In this arrangement an outersurface of the cap closes the dispensing opening on the nozzle (whichmay in turn be connected to an outlet opening on the tube). This is anespecially simple construction. Suitably the outer surface of the capclosing the dispensing opening is an internal wall of a recess orhousing formed on the cap the housing mating with the mouth of thenozzle. This arrangement ensures unwanted plastics material producedduring moulding does not inadvertently interfere with the dispensingopening.

[0034] The break-off cap is desirably reversible so that when brokenoff, the cap may be inverted for replacement on to the nozzle(container). In this embodiment it is desirable that the cap bodycomprises a housing for receiving the outlet nozzle, the formations forinterengaging with the reciprocal interengaging formations on the nozzleor on the container being formed on the housing desirably internally. Inthis embodiment an inner surface of the cap (a surface within thehousing) closes the outlet opening. This embodiment is particularlyadvantageous as if remnants of the frangible connection remain on thecap, after the cap has been broken off, then the remnants will be on theexterior of the cap (in the closed position of the cap). The remnantscannot then interfere with closure. This arrangement ensures also that aproper seal is formed between the cap and the nozzle so that when thefilling process is completed though the open base end of the container,and the base of the container sealed, the entire container is sealed byan integrally formed body. No concerns about proper securing of the capon the nozzle/container then arise.

[0035] The interengaging formations may be formed by one or moreprojections and one or more corresponding recesses or grooves with whichthe projections engage. The projections and the grooves/recesses may belocated respectively on the nozzle and on the cap or vice versa. Thisarrangement may provide for snap-fit engagement of the cap on thenozzle/container.

[0036] Desirably the cap has a discharge opening engaging portion forclosing the dispensing opening. This may be a projecting portion on theunderside of the cap which at least partially projects into thedispensing opening of the nozzle. This is a desirable construction asthe projecting portion may help to provide a reliable seal between thecap and the nozzle. Where the internal annular crotch is provided, atleast in part with a ramped surface, the projecting portion is desirablyshaped to mate. When the ramped surface is of a generally (inverted)frusto-conical shape it is desired that the projecting portion is shapedto mate, for example of a conical or frusto-conical shape. Thisarrangement allows for ease of reclosure of the cap. In one highlydesired embodiment the projecting portion is conical in shape.

[0037] In one particularly advantageous construction the nozzle isoblong in cross section and the cap is correspondingly shaped (formating of the nozzle and the cap) so that relative rotation of the capand the nozzle/container causes deformation of the cap and allows forits removal. The cap and nozzle can be said to be irregularly shapedi.e. their shapes do not allow for relative rotation without deformationof at least the cap taking place. Where snap-coupling means are provideddeformation of the cap desirably disengages the snap-coupling meansallowing for removal of the cap. One way to achieve this function is toprovide a nozzle which is oblong in cross-section and which has a foursided configuration so that in cross-section it has two opposingsubstantially flat sides and two opposing curved ends. The cap may taper(narrow) towards its top end to correspond to the shape of the nozzle.When a cap is provided with reciprocal (for example an over-fitting)shape relative rotation of the nozzle and the cap will cause deformationof the cap and/or the nozzle/container. It is desired that for the mostpart it is the cap which deforms on relative rotation. In thisconstruction the snap-fit engagement means may be provided on the flatsides of the nozzle (and on the corresponding sides of the cap) so thatthe cap can be relatively easily removed from the container by relativerotation of the cap and the container.

[0038] Desirably the nozzle and the cap have co-operating guidingsurfaces which guide the cap toward a desired orientation relative tothe nozzle. In particular it is desired for aesthetic, handling,packaging and other purposes that the cap and the nozzle/container havea certain alignment. For instance where the cap and the container areflat in shape it may be desired to align the cap with the container sothat the cap remains in line with the container body. This can alsoensure that the cap is correctly seated on the nozzle. In one desiredconstruction the guiding surfaces will align the cap on the nozzle ifthe cap and nozzle are within about 45° of the desired alignment. Theguiding surface may be a seat and a corresponding seat-engaging portion.The seat may be a recess on the nozzle into which a projection (on thecap) fits. That part of the nozzle or the cap forming the seat may alsoprovide one or more stops to prevent incorrect alignment of the cap andthe nozzle/container. This arrangement is particularly desirable, whereotherwise, the cap and the nozzle could be forced together in anundesired orientation.

[0039] The invention provides in a fourth aspect a series of tear-offblisters frangibly attached each to the next, each blister comprising ablister tray, and a flexible peel-off cover for the blister tray, thepeel-off cover and the blister tray being attached by re-sealable means,for example an adhesive, which allows reclosing of the blister. This isone particularly advantageous embodiment which is especially useful tohelp prolong the life of products which may otherwise deteriorate. Thisapplies also to products which may be stored in a container of thepresent invention, and which may have their useable life extended bystorage of the container within an exterior protective pack such as ablister pack. It is desirable that a peel-open tab is provided on eachblister to facilitate peeling open of the pack. The tabs may be on thepeel-off corner or the tray.

[0040] In a fifth aspect the invention provides a series of tear-offpouches formed by sealing two layers of flexible material to each otherabout discrete areas, the pouches frangibly attached each to the next,each pouch being provided with a tear-open notch to facilitate tearingopen of the material forming the pouch. The tear-off notch allows thepack to ripped open more easily so a user can access the contents.

[0041] The invention in a sixth aspect also relates to a combinationpackage, the combination package comprising a container of the presentinvention as described above and an outer pack, the outer pack being ablister- or pouch-type pack. Suitably the blister-or pouch-type pack isin the form of a strip or array pack. This is one particularlyconvenient method of packaging a container according to the presentinvention.

[0042] The term “v-shaped” as used herein in relation to the presentinvention includes the convergence of two surfaces towards a point ofcoincidence, for example an apex, and includes surfaces which are curvedand surfaces which do not converge at the same rate towards the point ofcoincidence.

[0043] The term “ramped” includes both planar and curved slopedsurfaces. It also includes those surfaces where the rate of inclinechanges.

[0044] The term “blister” as used herein refers to a pack arrangementwith at least two layers of material, one layer having (an array of)depressions formed in it and within which a container of the inventioncan be at least partially placed and a second layer for sealing to thefirst to close the pack about the, or each, depression.

[0045] The term “pouch” as used herein includes a pack arrangement witha layer of material each side of the container, the layers being joinedto each other to create a pocket or pouch (similar to a sachet) withinwhich the container is held. The pouch is normally created by heatsealing (or welding) the layers to each other about the container.

[0046] The term “strip” as used herein to refer to packaging includes aseries of blisters wherein each container holding compartment (or“blister”) is frangibly connected to each of the other compartments towhich it is attached, or a series (lines) of pouches which are frangiblyconnected one to the next. A strip is usually a single series ofblisters or pouches. It will be appreciated that a series of blisters orpouches may be provided as an array such as described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047]FIG. 1 is a front elevation of (an unfilled) container (with anopen base) which incorporates features of the first and second aspectsof the present invention;

[0048]FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the container of FIG. 1;

[0049]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 1;

[0050]FIG. 4 is an underneath plan view of the container of FIG. 1(showing the view through the open base);

[0051]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 alongthe line A-A indicated in FIG. 3;

[0052]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 alongthe line B-B of FIG. 3;

[0053]FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial front elevational view of thecontainer of FIG. 1 showing the cap and nozzle of the container inlarger dimensions;

[0054]FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial side elevational view of thecontainer of FIG. 1 showing the cap and nozzle of the container inlarger dimensions;

[0055]FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of thecontainer of FIG. 1 (along the line A-A of FIG. 3) showing the cap andnozzle of the container in larger dimensions;

[0056]FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of thecontainer of FIG. 1 (along the line B-B of FIG. 3) showing the cap andnozzle of the container in larger dimensions;

[0057]FIG. 11 is a partial view of the view of FIG. 9 enlarged to aneven greater extent;

[0058]FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a container provided with anozzle assembly of the invention having being filled (with a sealed baseend);

[0059]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 12, the caphaving being broken off from the container body;

[0060]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 12, the caphaving being reversed and replaced (snap-fitted) on the container;

[0061]FIG. 15 is an enlarged front sectional view of the nozzle and capof the container of FIG. 14 (with the cap broken off, reversed(inverted) and replaced);

[0062]FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 14(with the cap broken off, reversed (inverted) and replaced);

[0063]FIG. 17 shows a part-sectional view of a nozzle assembly of thepresent invention wherein the cap has been broken-off, reversed andincorrectly aligned for replacement on the nozzle;

[0064]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a container incorporating anozzle assembly of the present invention having inter-engagingformations on the cap and the nozzle in the form of screw-threads;

[0065]FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a nozzle assembly of thepresent invention for attachment to an existing container, which hasbeen attached to a container tube;

[0066] FIGS. 20(a)-(c) show a blister-pack arrangement of the presentinvention; (a) is an exploded perspective view; (b) is a perspectiveview of the closed configuration and (c) is a perspective view of asingle blister, with the flexible sealing layer partially peeled away;

[0067]FIG. 21 shows an underneath plan view of a series of blistersarranged in a point of sale array;

[0068]FIG. 22 shows a plan view of the point of sale array of FIG. 21from one end thereof;

[0069]FIG. 23 is a plan view of the point of sale array of FIG. 21 fromone side thereof;

[0070]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the underneath side of the pointof sale array of FIG. 21;

[0071]FIG. 25 is an underneath plan view of an alternative series ofblisters arranged in a point of sale array, and having a different arrayof blisters (as compared to the array of FIG. 21);

[0072]FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the point of sale array ofFIG. 25;

[0073]FIG. 27 is an underneath plan view of another point of sale arrayagain having a different array of blisters;

[0074]FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of the point of sale array ofFIG. 27;

[0075] FIGS. 29(a)-(c) show: (a) an exploded perspective view of a pouchpackaging (prior to assembly) according to the present invention; (b) anelevational view of a series of (four) pouches arranged in a tear-offstrip; (c) a plan view of a single pouch;

[0076]FIG. 30 shows a top plan view of a point of sale pouch array;

[0077]FIG. 31 shows a side elevational view of the array of FIG. 30;

[0078]FIG. 32 is diagrammatic representation of a point of sale arrayshowing a container of the present invention in each compartment of thepack, the seal (closing) area about the container being shown withhatched lines;

[0079]FIG. 33 shows a side part-sectional view of the arrangement ofFIG. 32 where the array is a pouch pack array;

[0080]FIG. 34 shows a side part-sectional view of the arrangement ofFIG. 32 where the array is a blister pack array;

[0081] FIGS. 35 shows a point of sale blister pack array according tothe present invention with exemplary product information printed on oneside of the array.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0082] Certain embodiments of the present invention will be describedbelow with relation to the above Figures.

[0083]FIG. 1 shows a container 1 of the present invention, having anozzle assembly (comprising a nozzle 3 and a cap 20) of the presentinvention integrally formed therewith. The container 1 has a hollowcontainer body 2 for receiving and holding product which is placed inthe container. An outlet nozzle 3 forming part of the container projectsfrom the container body 2. A first (intake) end 4 (of the nozzle 3) islocated on the container body 2, and in the embodiment illustrated, isintegrally formed therewith. The outlet nozzle 3 has a second (free)dispensing end 5 with a dispensing opening 6 formed in the dispensingend 5. A mouth or rim 7 is formed on the nozzle 3 about the dispensingopening 6. The outlet nozzle 3 has a nozzle body 8 with a conduit 9defined therein. The conduit 9 is bounded by an internal surface 10 ofthe nozzle body 8. The conduit 9 is in communication with the interior11 of the container body 2 and the dispensing opening 6. A break-off cap20 is located on the outlet nozzle 3. The break-off cap 20 has a capbody 21 for closing the dispensing end of the outlet nozzle 3. Thenozzle 3 and the break-off cap form a nozzle assembly. Alternatively thenozzle 3 and the break-off cap could be formed as a nozzle assembly forattachment to an existing container, for example an aluminium tubecontainer, as shown in FIG. 19. In FIG. 19 the nozzle assembly 201 isattached to a tube 202. The nozzle assembly is for the most part asdescribed below in detail with references to FIGS. 1 to 17 though in theembodiments of FIGS. 1 to 17 the nozzle assembly described is integrallyformed with the container. In the embodiment of FIG. 19 the nozzleassembly 201 has at its first intake end 203 of the outlet nozzle 204 askirt portion 205 which engages a neck of the tube 202. The mode ofengagement of the nozzle assembly 201 on the tube 202 is by any suitablemethod for example screw-threading or snap-fitting. In the embodiment ofFIG. 19 the nozzle assembly may be provided as an accessory orattachment adapted for existing containers.

[0084] In FIGS. 1-12, 18 and 19, the break-off cap is shown in a firstposition where the cap body 21 is integrally formed with the outletnozzle 3 to close the dispensing opening 6 of the outlet nozzle 3. Afrangible connection 22 is formed between the nozzle 3 and the cap 20.The frangible connection 22 can be broken to allow removal of the cap(see FIG. 13) and thus opening (uncovering) the dispensing opening 6 onthe nozzle 3. It is then possible to dispense product from the container1. The frangible connection 22 may be formed during integral moulding ofthe container 1. The container is desirably constructed of a plasticsmaterial so that all components may be formed by a single mouldingprocess.

[0085] As best seen from the enlarged views of FIGS. 9-11, (andparticularly from FIG. 11) an internal annular crotch 23 is formedbetween the nozzle 3 and the cap body 21 about the dispensing opening 6.The crotch narrows in a radially outward direction (radially outwardlyfrom the conduit 9) providing a generally v-shaped groove or recess atthe junction between the cap 20 and the nozzle 3. The weakened junction(the annular crotch 23) between the cap 20 and the nozzle 3 allows thecap 20 to be broken off from the nozzle 3 thus breaking the frangibleconnection 22. The product can then be dispensed from the container.

[0086] As best seen from FIG. 11 the cap body 21 has a recess, groove orhousing 25 which is located to the exterior (of the cap body) of thecap. The housing 25 is formed in an external wall of the cap. Theprovision of housing 25 helps to ensure that no plastics material isinadvertently formed directly across the mouth 6 of the nozzle 3 duringmoulding of the container. It also allows for ease of break-off of thecap. Desirably the housing 25 has a mouth 26 which is shaped to matewith the mouth 7 (about the dispensing opening 6) of the nozzle 3.Mating is achieved by the frangible connection 22.

[0087] The cap body 21 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is open at its bottom end12. As best seen from FIG. 4 the container body 2 depends from thenozzle 3 to form a skirt at its bottom end. The skirt is open forming agenerally elongate aperture 13 defined by the bottom end 12 of thecontainer body 2. The aperture 13 is the aperture through which theproduct may be placed in the container. Once the container is filled tothe desired level with product, the container bottom may be crimped or(heat-) welded (or indeed closed by any suitable method) along line 14(see FIGS. 12-14) to seal the contents within the container.

[0088] To aid gripping of the container 1 by the hand a thumb or fingergrip (such as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6) for example in the form of alarger crescent-shaped upstanding grip 14 and a smaller (nested) grip 15may be provided. The grips 14 and 15 may be provided on opposing sidesof the container as seen in FIG. 2.

[0089] The nozzle 3 is tapered gradually reducing in dimensions from thecontainer body 2 to the dispensing opening 6. There is also a steppedreduction of the width of the nozzle 3 from the wider portion 16 to thenarrower portion 17 which transition occurs at step or rim 18. The stepor rim 18 also provides a constriction of the conduit 9.

[0090] Two opposing sides of the reduced diameter portion 17 of thenozzle 3, namely opposing sides 30, 31 are flat (straight) while the twoopposing ends 32, 33 joining the flat sides 30, 31 are curved.

[0091] Each straight side 30, 31 has, formed thereon, a projectionrespectively labelled 34, 35. The projections 34, 35 taper fromrespective (upper) positions 36, 37 where they are flush with thereduced diameter portion 17, downwardly and outwardly. The projection34, 35 end in respective rims or edges 38, 39.

[0092] The cap 20 has a shape which resembles a wing nut having acentral flat-sided oval shaped narrowing gradually toward its upper endportion 24 forming part of the cap body 21, to which are attached wingshaped grips, which are respectively labelled 27, 28 (see for exampleFIG. 7) on opposing sides of the flat-side oval portion 24. Optionalreinforcing tabs or ribs 40 are provided to strengthen the junctionbetween the flat-sided oval portion 24 and the wings 27, 28.

[0093] To reinforce the (inverted) attachment of the break-off cap 20 tothe nozzle 3 two further frangible connections 41,42 are integrallyformed one between each of respective lugs 43, 44 on the wings 27, 28and the exterior of the nozzle 3.

[0094] The break-off cap 20 is held in an inverted position on theoutlet nozzle before it is broken off. In this arrangement an outersurface, namely the surface of the recess or groove 25 closes thedispensing opening on the container. The break-off cap is reversible sothat when broken off, (see FIG. 13) the cap may be inverted forsubsequent replacement onto the container (see FIG. 14).

[0095] In this regard it is worth noting that the cap 20, and inparticular the generally flat-sided oval portion 24 (see FIG. 7), formsa housing 29 into which at least a portion of, and in particular thedispensing end 5 of the nozzle 3 is insertable. As can be seen from theFigures the generally flat-sided oval portion 24 matches the profile ofthe reduced circumference portion 17 of the nozzle 3 and snugly overfitsit. In particular the generally flat-sided oval portion 24 comprises ahousing 50 defined by two opposing side walls 51, 52 in each of whichare formed one of two windows or apertures respectively labelled 53, 54.The windows or apertures 53, 54 are designed to be snap-fit engagablewith the projections 34, 35. The windows 53, 54 are cut-out portions ofthe side walls 51, 52 and are generally of rhombehedral shape. When thecap 20 is snap-fitted onto the nozzle 3, (as best seen from FIGS. 14 and16) lower (transverse) wall portions 55, 56 engage underneath the rims38, 39 of the (inverted) cup-shaped projections 34, 35. As best seen forexample from FIGS. 3, 12 and 13 the shape of the housing 29 reflectsthat of the nozzle with the two flat sides 51, 52 which are joined bycurved ends 57, 58. The mouth 59 of the housing 50 is thus of an oblongshape, and may be considered as a straight or flat-sided oval shape.

[0096] A front sectional view of the container of FIG. 14 is shown in anenlarged partial view in FIG. 15. In FIGS. 11 and 15 it can be moreclearly seen that the nozzle 3 has at its dispensing end 5 and on twoopposites side of the mouth 6 two recess portions 60. The recessportions 60 form a seat for a seat engaging portion 65 on the cap. Theseat-engaging portion 65 on the underside of the cap has two parts, afirst part 66 (see FIG. 11) which is a first seat-engaging-portion whichco-operates with tabs 68 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) on the nozzle 3 and asecond seat-engaging-portion 67 which is dimensioned to engage the firstseat-engaging-portion 66. The relative positioning of theseat-engaging-portion 66 and the tabs 68 ensure the desired orientationof the cap and the nozzle (and thus the container) is achieved, as thecap and the nozzle will not mate if the seat-engaging-portion 66 and thetabs 68 abut. The seat-engaging-portion 66 and the tabs 68 abut if thecap is incorrectly orientated. The cap may be correctly guided onto thenozzle by interaction of the tabs 68 and the seat-engaging portions 66and 67, and is then seated on the nozzle. Incorrect alignment is shownin FIG. 17. In the incorrect alignment of FIG. 17 lower wall portions55,56 engage recess portions 60 so that recess portions act as stopspreventing the cap from being placed over the nozzle.

[0097] The cap 20 when in place on the nozzle is held thereto byinter-engagement of the projections 34, 35 in the windows or apertures53, 54 as shown in FIG. 14 where the cap 20 has been snap-fitted to thenozzle 3. In the closed configuration (see FIGS. 11, 15 and 16)projecting portion or projection 61 (which is generally conical in shapeand thus triangular in cross-section) protrudes into the conduit 9engages the mouth thereof and providing a reliable seal for thecontainer. It will be appreciated that due to the provision of thecrotch or annular recess 23 between the nozzle 3 and the cap 20, theshoulder portions 62 of the nozzle inside the mouth 6 abut exteriorwalls 63, 64 of the conical projection 61. The projection 61 mayalternatively be of any shape suitable to provide a seal for thedispensing opening 6. There is thus provided a reliable sealingarrangement so that even if remnants of frangible connection 22 were tobe left at the top of the nozzle, these will not interfere with theclosing action of the cap. In particular, and as best seen from theenlarged view of FIG. 11 the shoulder portion 62 can be considered to bea ramped surface running from the internal surface of the nozzledefining the conduit, to the mouth of the nozzle. The ramped surface 62is annular and is generally frusto-conical in shape (in particularnarrowing in diameter down the nozzle 3). The conical shaped projectingportion 61 and the ramped surface act as a plug and socket typearrangement, the projection portion 61 plugging the dispensing openingof the nozzle 3 by engaging the ramped surface 62.

[0098] Alternatively as is shown in FIG. 18 the inter-engagingformations may be screw-threads such as the thread 70 of FIG. 18 with acorresponding thread within the housing 50. In this embodiment the cap71 which is similar in construction to cap 20 does not have the oblongshape of the mouth of the cap 20. As the cap 71 and the nozzle 72interengage by means of reciprocal screw-threads (which necessitatesrelative rotation), the nozzle and the housing 50 of the cap aregenerally conical in shape. The cap 71 may be otherwise the same inconstruction to cap 20.

[0099] As seen in the Figures and in particular the enlarged view ofFIGS. 7-11, there is also formed an external annular crotch 45. Thecrotch 45 narrows in a radially inward direction (radially inward towardthe conduit 9). The crotch 45 is formed on the exterior of the containerbetween the cap 20 and the nozzle 3 (in particular the mouth 7 of thenozzle 3). In particular the crotch 45 is formed by two (radially)inwardly converging surfaces—namely the outer surface 46 on the cap 20and the outer surface 47 on the nozzle 3. The surfaces 46 and 47converge to form an apex 48 of the crotch. There are thus provided twoopposing crotches which are located on either side of the frangibleconnection 22. This double crotch arrangement allows for ease of removalof the cap 20. The crotch 45 is v-shaped. The container of the inventionis suitable for use with many products including in particular liquidsand gels. The container will normally be designed to hold a relativelymodest volume for example from about 0.5 to about 5.0 grams, such asabout 1 gram or about 2 grams. The container may be crimped(heat-welded) at any part along its length (and above the fill-level inthe inverted position) and bottom end 12 may be of a desired shape tofacilitate ease of closure of the container. For light-sensitivematerials opaque materials may be used to construct the container.

[0100]FIG. 20 shows a blister pack array of the present invention in apre-form assembly. The blister pack 100 is shown in exploded view. Theblister pack comprises a semi-rigid material, such as aluminium in theform of a preform 101. The preform 101 is a sheet 102 of deformablematerial such as aluminium material into which have been pressed (orpunches) depressions or blisters 103. Each of the blisters 103 is shapedto receive and at least partially contain a container 104. Only onecontainer 104 is shown in FIG. 20, though it will be appreciated that acontainer 104 may be placed in each of the blisters 103. The container104 shown in FIG. 20 is diagrammatically drawn for the purposes ofillustration only. In practice a container according to the presentinvention (as described above) may be placed within the blister pack.

[0101] To complete the package a flexible sheet of material 105 such asa foil, for example an aluminium foil, may be used. The sheet 105corresponds generally in shape to the preform 101. The sheet 105 isattached to the preform. Normally, such attachment is achieved by heatand pressure sealing of the materials used. However in order to achievere-sealing, resealing means for example a suitable adhesive whichretains sufficient bonding capability to allow re-sealing of the packcould be used. This secures each container 104 within the pack, one ineach blister 103. The person skilled in the art will appreciate how toassemble such a blister pack for example by the materials described orby cold form methods.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 20(b) the sheet 102 has been sealed to thepreform 101. The sheet 102 (and the preform 101 where necessary) havebeen cut to a desired shape with rounded edges 106 and a series ofcut-out portions or crotches 107. A crotch 107 is provided on eitherside of the frangible connection 108. The frangible connection 108 ismachined into the pack (for example as a score line or as a series ofperforations) and allows for breaking-off of a single “blister” 109 (asshown in FIG. 20(c)) thus creating a tear-off strip form of blisterpackaging. A single container 104 is contained within each blister 109.The blister pack shown in FIG. 20(b) is a single strip of blister. Itwill be appreciated that multiple strips or arrays are also possible andare described below.

[0103] The crotches 107 on either side of the frangible connection 108allow for ease of tear-off or break-off of successive blisters. It isintended that in a point of display array or strip each blister iseasily detachable from the next thus allowing the blisters to be soldindividually while being conveniently arranged for display.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 20(c) the blister is formed with a discreteblister cover 110 which may be peeled back from the blister tray 111.The sheet 110 has a corner portion 112 (which is shown in dashed outlinein the closed position in FIG. 20(c)) which protrudes beyond the blistertray 111. This allows the blister cover 110 to be peeled back from therim 113 of the blister tray 111. The corner portion 112 thus acts as apull-off tab, allowing the cover 110 to be easily pulled off manually.The blister cover 110 may be resealable to the blister tray 111. Thismay be achieved by using a suitable adhesive which does not loose itstackiness to hold the blister cover 110 to the blister tray 111.

[0105] A point of sale display blister pack array 120 is shown in FIG.21. In the array 120 there are four rows and three columns in a 4×3arrangement. The blisters 121 are provided in a preform 122. Alsoprovided on the preform 122 is a planar tab 123 which has definedtherein an elongate aperture 124 which extends upwards in a furthergroove 125 to provide means for hanging the point of display array 120on a display hook (or hanger). The tab 123 may be integrally formed withthe blister pack, or may be attached separately. If not integrallyformed the tab can be constructed or other materials such as cardboardetc. To facilitate removal of individual blisters, a series of aperturesscores or cut-outs and the like may be created in the preform 122. Thecut-out consist of two different types of apertures respectivelylabelled 126 and 127.

[0106] The apertures 126 are generally triangular in shape, forming acut-away portion or crotch 128 between successive blisters 121 in thesame row. Where blister 121 occurs at a position in the array where itmust be separable from a blister directly beneath it in the column, andsimultaneously any adjacent blisters in the same row, a star-shapedaperture 127 is provided. Each “leg” or apex of the star provides acrotch 128. Frangible connections may be provided (for examplesimultaneously with sealing the container closed) across and down thearray between the rows and the columns to form a grid or array ofblisters each of which are frangibly connected to the other. Thefrangible connection may be provided by partial cut away along a linejoining the apertures 126, 127 in the row direction or in the columndirection.

[0107] An end view of the array of FIG. 21 is shown in FIG. 22. Aside-view thereof is shown in FIG. 23. A perspective view is shown inFIG. 24.

[0108]FIG. 25 shows an underneath (plan) view of a point of sale displayarray 130 which is very similar to the array of 120 of FIG. 21. Thearray 130 has six rows and two columns defining a 6×2 arrangement. Inthis arrangement a generally triangular shaped aperture 131, and generalstar-shaped apertures 132 are provided again to allow for ease ofremoval of the blister 133. The break away facility may be provided byscores, slits and/or apertures of alternative shapes to those described.Again cut-away portions or crotches 134 are provided along one side ofthe array 130. On the other side 135 a series of cut-away portions arealso provided to allow for ease of removal. The cut-away portions 135have one generally straight upper side 136 and a lower corner side 137which converge inwardly toward a line along which a frangible connectionmay be provided. This arrangement also allows for ease of removal of theindividual blister. A side elevational view of the array 130 is shown inFIG. 26.

[0109] A similar array 140 is shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, although in thiscase five rows and two columns are provided in a 5×2 arrangement ofblisters 141. Again cut-away portions are provided for ease of removalof individual blisters 141. Certain materials useful in the constructionof the blister pack include a laminate consisting of the following 3layers: 30 μm paper/12 μm polyester/20 μm polyvinyl chloride. Thepreform may be constructed of the following four layered laminate: 60 μmpolyvinylchloride/25 μm polyamide/60 μm aluminium/60 μm polyvinylchloride. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that manysorts of suitable materials can be used.

[0110]FIG. 29 shows various views of a pouch assembly 150 of the presentinvention. FIG. 29(a) is an exploded view of an arrangement for creatinga pouch strip 150 of the present invention. In particular the assemblycomprises two opposed sheets of flexible material namely an upper sheet151 and a lower sheet 152 between which is disposed a container 153.Like the container 104 of FIG. 20, the container 153 is shown fordiagrammatic purposes. It is desirable that the container 153 is acontainer according to the present invention. The upper and lower sheets151, 152 are each generally rectangular in shape and of the same size.The sheets 151, 152 may be made of an aluminium material, such as forexample a laminated aluminium foil.

[0111] To create individual pouches 154 the two sheets 151, 152 arebrought together and joined to each other about the container 153. Inthe arrangement shown in FIG. 29(b) four containers 153 have been sealedwithin four pouches, one in each pouch 154. Each container 153 is thenin a individual sachet, the sachets being connected in a tear-off striparrangement.

[0112] In the blister pack arrangement of FIG. 20 while the sheets 151,152 are being attached to other about the containers 153, they may alsobe provided with frangible connections 155 and cut away portions 156 atthe same time. The sheets 151, 152 may be adhered to each other.Alternatively they may be welded or fixed together by any other suitablemethod.

[0113] The cut-away portions 156 allow for ease of removal of theindividual pouches 155 from each other. In particular the cut-awayportions 156 comprise a crotch portion 157 which is generally v-shaped.The crotch portion 157 converges to the point of convergence 158 wherethe crotch portion terminates. There is then formed a further v-shapedrecess 159 which acts as a tear-open notch when it is desired to (tear)open the pouch to remove the container inside for use. This is achievedby manually applying a shear or tear-open force at the tear-open notch.The pouch tears allow across to the container inside. An individualpouch 154 is shown torn away from the strip of pouches in FIG. 29(c).The sealed (joining) area about the container can be seen as peripheralrim 160.

[0114] A point of sale array 170 of pouch packs 154 are shown in FIGS.30 and 31. The arrangement shown has five columns and two rows in a 5×2arrangement. The array 170 has a tab 171 in which is defined an aperture172 which allows array of pouches to be hung on a hook in a mannerdescribed previously above.

[0115] In the array 170 each of the pouches 173 is (transversely)frangibly connected to part of the array above and below by transversefrangible connections 174. The pouches 173 may be separated from eachother by a longitudinal frangible connection 175. Each pouch 173 may beturn or broken away as it frangible from all other blisters to which itis connected.

[0116] The ends 176, 177 are not directly supported by the containerinside and thus flatten down to provide dished or flattened ends 176,177 which are generally u-shaped, the shape of the container (thecontents of the pouch) is taken up by both sheets 151, 152 as can beseen from the side view of FIG. 31.

[0117] As described above for FIG. 29, cut-out portions 178, generallyin the form of v-shaped crotches, are provided on one end of the arraybetween each of the pouches 173, and between the uppermost blister andthe tab. On the opposing side of the array and along the frangibleconnection 174 cut-out portions or crotches 179 are also provided toallow for ease of the attachment of blisters. Between the uppermost rowof pouches and the tab 171 an aperture 180 is provided and is generallytriangular in shape with three apexes. The apertures 181 betweensubsequent rows are generally star-shaped with four apexes.

[0118] Each of the apertures 180, 181 extends along the frangibleconnection 174 and terminates at a point of convergence 183. A tear-opennotch 182 is then provided for each of the pouches 173 on the other sideof the point convergence 183. FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of thepack of FIG. 30.

[0119]FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic representation, in part-sectional view,of a blister pack or a strip pouch according to the present invention inwhich a container 190 is located in each of blisters or each of thepouches. The container 190 is a container according to the presentinvention having an internal annular crotch to allow break-off of thecap 191 as described above. The hatched area 192 indicates the areassealed between the two flexible sheets sealed together about thecontainer, where the array is a pouch array, or the area between thepreform and the flexible sheet sealed together where the array is ablister array.

[0120] The container 190 differs from the containers describedpreviously in a number of relatively minor respects. These includes rimsor wings 193 provided on opposing sides of the container which allow forease of manual handling. The cap 191 has internal threads 194 whichengage with reciprocal threads 195 on the nozzle of the container. Thecap 191 also has two opposing wings or grips 196 which allow for ease ofhandling of the cap 191. A side, part-sectional view of a poucharrangement shown in FIG. 32 and shown in FIG. 33. The blister array isshown in side, part-sectional view in FIG. 34.

[0121] A point of display array 198 is shown in FIG. 35. The array hasthree columns and four rows (3×4). As can been seen printed matter 199has been applied to the flat side of the blister pack.

[0122] Methods of preparing the types of packaging described will beknown to those skilled in the art. In this respect aprticular mention ismade of a method of packaging often referred to as “flow wrapping”,“flow pack(ing)” or “tube wrap(ing)”. This is a type of packaging whichseals in articles. The seal produced on a horizontal or vertical“form-fill-seal” wrapping machine generally associated with wrappingirregular-shaped items (such as candy bars, bakery items, etc.). Ingeneral the “form-fill-seal” operation is carried out as follows: a reel(web) or reels of flexible packaging material is formed into acontainer, filled and sealed in one series of operations to produce apackage, containing a predetermined quantity of product.

[0123] Form-fill-seal operations (flow packing) can be carried out inthree main ways:

[0124] (a) a web of material may be formed into a tube which is filledand sealed at intervals;

[0125] (b) a web of material may be folded along its length, sealed atintervals to form a series of pouches (sachets) which are then filledand closed; and

[0126] (c) a web of material may be thermo-formed to give a series oftray like depressions which are filled, and then sealed by means of asecond web.

[0127] The words “comprises/comprising” and the words “having/including”when used herein with reference to the present invention are used tospecify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or componentsbut does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more otherfeatures, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

1. A nozzle assembly comprising: a) an outlet nozzle for dispensingproduct having a first intake end for taking up product from a containerand a second dispensing end with a dispensing opening formed in thedispensing end and a mouth formed on the nozzle about the dispensingopening, the nozzle comprising a nozzle body with a conduit definedtherein and bounded by an internal surface of the nozzle body, theconduit for communication between the intake end and the dispensingopening; and b) a break-off cap comprising a cap body for closing thedispensing end of the outlet nozzle, the break-off cap having a firstposition wherein the cap body is integrally formed with the outletnozzle to close the dispensing opening of the outlet nozzle and isconnected thereto by at least one frangible connection, and a secondposition wherein the frangible connection is broken allowing removal ofthe cap and thus opening the dispensing opening thereby allowing productto be dispensed through the nozzle; the nozzle assembly having aninternal annular crotch, which narrows in a radially outward direction,formed between the nozzle and the cap body about the dispensing opening,the crotch providing a weakened junction between the cap and the nozzleallowing the cap to be broken off from the nozzle thus breaking thefrangible connection.
 2. A nozzle assembly comprising: a) an outletnozzle for dispensing the product having a first intake end for takingup product from the container and a second dispensing end with adispensing opening formed in the dispensing end and a mouth formed onthe nozzle about the dispensing opening, the nozzle comprising a nozzlebody with a conduit formed therein defined by an internal surface of thenozzle body, the conduit for communication between the intake end andthe dispensing opening; and b) a break-off cap comprising a cap body forclosing the dispensing end of the outlet nozzle, the break-off caphaving a first position wherein the cap body is integrally formed withthe outlet nozzle to close the dispensing opening of the outlet nozzleand is connected thereto by at least one frangible connection, and asecond position wherein the frangible connection is broken allowingremoval of the cap and thus opening the dispensing opening therebyallowing product to be dispensed through the outlet nozzle; the cap bodyand the outlet nozzle having interengaging formations for subsequentlysecuring the break-off cap to the nozzle to close the outlet opening. 3.A nozzle assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 where the outletnozzle forms an integral part of a container.
 4. A nozzle assemblyaccording to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the outlet nozzle is adapted toengage on a container for example by screw-threading or snap-fitting. 5.A nozzle assembly according to claim 1 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein thecap body and the outlet nozzle have interengaging formations forsubsequently securing the break-off cap to the outlet nozzle to closethe outlet opening.
 6. A nozzle assembly according to claim 1 or claims3-5 wherein the crotch is generally v-shaped being defined on one sideby a surface of the cap body and on the other by a surface of thenozzle.
 7. A nozzle assembly according to claim 6 wherein in a radiallyoutward direction the surfaces of the crotch converge toward thefrangible connection.
 8. A nozzle assembly according to claim 6 or claim7 wherein the surface on the nozzle defining one side of the crotch runsfrom the internal surface of the nozzle, or from a position proximate tothe internal surface of the nozzle to the mouth of the nozzle.
 9. Anozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 or 3-8 wherein one sideof the internal annular crotch is provided, at least in part, by aramped surface running from the internal surface of the nozzle definingthe conduit to the mouth of the nozzle.
 10. A nozzle assembly accordingto claim 9 wherein the ramped surface is annular.
 11. A nozzle assemblyaccording to claim 10 wherein the annular ramped surface is of agenerally frusto-conical shape for example gradually decreasing indiameter from the mouth of the container to the surface defining theconduit.
 12. A nozzle assembly according to any preceding claim whereinthe container is provided with an external annular crotch, which narrowsin a radially inward direction, formed between the nozzle and the capbody and about the dispensing opening.
 13. A nozzle assembly accordingto claim 12 wherein the external crotch is generally v-shaped beingdefined on one side by a surface of the cap body and on the other by asurface of the nozzle.
 14. A nozzle assembly according to claim 13wherein the radially inward direction the surfaces of the crotchconverge toward the frangible connection to form the apex of thev-shape.
 15. A nozzle assembly according to claim 13 or claim 14 whereinthe surface on the nozzle defining one side of the external crotch runsfrom an external surface of the nozzle, to a position on the nozzleproximate or at the mouth of the nozzle.
 16. A nozzle assembly accordingto any preceding claim which is moulded as a single piece for examplefrom plastics material.
 17. A container according to claim 3 which is ahand-held phial.
 18. A container according to claim 17 wherein the phialis constructed of deformable plastics so that it is squeezable.
 19. Anozzle assembly according to claim 2 wherein the interengagingformations are screw-threads.
 20. A nozzle assembly according to claim 2wherein the interengaging formations are snap-fit formations.
 21. Anozzle assembly according to claim 20 wherein the interengagingformations are snap-fit formations that are disengageable from theinterengaged position by relative rotation of the cap and the container.22. A nozzle assembly or container according to any preceding claimwherein the break-off cap is held in an inverted position on the outletnozzle before it is broken off.
 23. A nozzle assembly or containeraccording to claim 22 wherein an outer surface of the cap closes thedispensing opening on the container.
 24. A nozzle assembly or containeraccording to claim 23 wherein the outer surface of the cap closing thedispensing opening is an internal wall of a recess or housing formed onthe cap, the housing mating with the mouth of the nozzle.
 25. A nozzleassembly or container according to any one of claims 22 to 24 whereinthe break-off cap is reversible so that when broken off, the cap may beinverted for replacement on to the nozzle.
 26. A nozzle assembly orcontainer according to claim 25 wherein the cap body comprises a housingfor receiving the outlet nozzle, the formations for interengaging withthe reciprocal interengaging formations on the container being formed onthe housing.
 27. A nozzle assembly or container according to claim 26wherein the interengaging formations are formed by one or moreprojections and one or more corresponding recesses or grooves with whichthe projections engage.
 28. A nozzle assembly or container according toany preceding claim wherein the cap has a discharge opening engagingportion for closing the dispensing opening.
 29. A nozzle assembly orcontainer according to claim 28 wherein the engaging portion is aprojecting portion on the underside of the cap which at least partiallyprojects into the dispensing opening in the closed configuration of thecontainer.
 30. A nozzle assembly or container according to claim 29wherein the projecting portion is shaped to mate with the opening, forexample of a conical or frusto-conical shape.
 31. A nozzle assembly orcontainer according to any preceding claim wherein the nozzle and thecap are irregularly shaped so that relative rotation of the cap and thenozzle causes deformation of the cap and allows for its removal.
 32. Anozzle assembly or container according to claim 31 wherein a deformationof the cap desirably disengages snap-coupling means between the cap andthe nozzle allowing for removal of the cap.
 33. A nozzle assembly orcontainer according to claim 32 wherein the nozzle and cap are bothoblong.
 34. A nozzle assembly or container according to any precedingclaim wherein the nozzle and the cap have co-operating guiding surfaceswhich guide the cap toward a desired orientation relative to the nozzle.35. A nozzle assembly or container according to claim 34 wherein theco-operating guiding surfaces are a seat and a seat engaging portion.36. A series of tear-off blisters frangibly attached each to the next,each blister comprising a blister tray, and a flexible peel-off coverfor the blister tray, the peel-off cover and the blister tray beingattached by resealing means such as an adhesive which allows reclosingof the blister.
 37. A series of tear-off blisters according to claim 36wherein a peel-open tab is provided on each blister to facilitatepeeling open of the pack.
 38. A series of tear-off pouches formed bysealing two layers of flexible material to each other about discreteareas, the pouches frangibly attached each to the next, each pouch beingprovided with a tear-open notch to facilitate tearing open of thematerial forming the pouch.
 39. A combination package, the combinationpackage comprising a container or a nozzle assembly according to any oneof claims 1 to 35 and an outer pack, the outer pack being a blister- orpouch-type pack.
 40. A combination pack according to claim 36 whereinthe blister-or pouch-type pack is as defined in any of claims 36 to 38.41. A nozzle assembly or container substantially as described hereinwith reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
 42. Acombination package substantially as described herein with reference toand as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
 43. A series oftear-off blisters substantially as described herein with reference toand as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
 44. A series oftear-off pouches substantially as described herein with reference to andas illustrated in the accompanying drawings.